TIRANA, Oct 29 /ATA/ – Albanian government has approved a draft law establishing a National Arts Fund, which would channel part of the savings generated through public procurement into investment in art and culture, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday.
Under the proposal, up to 10% of verified annual savings from public procurement could be allocated through the annual state budget to purchase works of art and collections of historical value.
Gonxhja said the funds generated through improved procurement management would support artistic creation and expand public collections.
The legislation is expected to take effect in January 2027, subject to parliamentary approval, he said.
Works would be selected by experts in the field, with technical support from the National Gallery of Arts, and would become public property, to be displayed in public institutions and spaces. Decisions and expenditure under the scheme would be subject to transparency requirements, according to the proposal.
The fund aims to provide greater support for artists, improve public access to art and preserve valuable works for future generations.
Funding would come from savings verified and certified by the finance ministry and deemed available for reallocation within the relevant annual budget. The amount allocated to the fund could not exceed 10% of the total annual savings, with the final allocation subject to approval under the annual budget law.
The fund could also receive donations, sponsorships and grants from the European Union, international organisations and strategic cultural partners, creating opportunities to mobilise additional resources and strengthen cooperation with the private sector and international partners without creating financial obligations for the state budget.
/j.p/r.e/u.sh/
